A recent study in Australia revealed that at least one in eight people in that country have genital herpes. If that sounds alarming then it should be. A fist nation-wide study also found herpes was most prevalent in people aged 35 to 44 and city folk were more likely to be carrying virus than their countryside cousins.
SO WHAT TO DO? Being a little less promiscuous could be the answer but this would only be a superficial fix. The problem lies in the fact that at least 80% of people who have genital herpes don'r know they have it. And it's to say those who contract the virus do so innocently. Many affected people who pass it on are unaware they have it, as they don't experience the symptoms.
The obvious answer one again is get tested, especially if you've had multiple partners.
Why are people reluctant to be tested? Is there are kind of aura of shame with knowing you have genital herpes? Medical experts will tell you don't be embarrassed, the sooner you have the condition treated the better. Makes sense. So why don't people get tested or why do they delay the process?
Maybe more educational programs should be put in place, but from where I sit, I think the proper authorities have performed a good job in marking the community aware of their responsibilities in this area.
The news is not so good for woman. Twice as many woman are likely to contract genital herpes than men, simply because of their physiological make up. This doesn't suggest men have less responsibility in getting tested than woman. I'ts a two-way street.
The study found the prevalence of herpes varies from country to country with genital herpes being more prevalent in some, while oral herpes was confirmed at a higher rate in others.
Get over any short time embarrassment you may experience initially and do the sensible thing, not just if you have multiple partners. If it doesn't fell right, consult your doctor.
